Garden Path - Jacket - Part XXI

Allium, In Context

I finished the allium this weekend and was able to start on some surrounding flowers. Here is what this section looks like at the moment:

I need to finish one of those daisies on the left, applique the rose and add all the pansies to fill in below and to the left/right of the allium.

I will not be posting tomorrow, because I will be gone all day on a shopping trip to the garment district in NYC! Gorgeous Ann and friends put together a trip and I am able to go along. I also will get to meet LindsayT and Carolyn! I will post all about it on Wednesday.

Parting Shot: Yarrow. My red yarrow is starting to bloom! We still are getting way more rain than sunshine, but maybe that will change soon and the plants will bloom some more.

Packaging Makes A Difference!

I got another vintage pattern today in the mail. The actual piece of mail came in a plastic bag with a lovely note from the USPS, saying how sorry they were that something happened to my mail:

The actual mailing envelope looked like this and smells like kerosene or some other petroleum product.:

All I was thinking was, I hope my pattern is ok, because this is what I bought, Advance 6712:

Take a better look at the bodice and jacket:

Right. So, I cut the mailer open in the least yucky spot and pulled out a pattern wrapped in a plastic sleeve, completely unharmed! YAY!

A big thank you to Carol, ebay seller easyeightquilts, for taking the extra time to add a little bag to protect the pattern! I've bought many vintage patterns from ebay and independent sellers and this is the first time something like this has happened to me. If you're one of those sellers and are already doing a little extra and protecting our new treasures, thanks! You never know when something like this can happen.

Parting Shot: Orange Lilies. Here are the first orange lilies of the season! Yay for bright colors!

Announcing!

A New Blog and Etsy Store

Yes, that's right. Like I'm not crazy enough and don't have enough to keep me busy, right? Well, it takes quite a bit to keep me busy and I work better with a little extra pressure anyway.

You can read about my new adventures and Etsy store of the same name on my other blog, Hooks and Wires. Take a look, because there is a giveaway, too!

Parting Shot: Second. I got a second place at the National Quilter's Association Show in Columbus, OH last weekend with Midnight Garden. I'd never entered that show, and the artist who won first- Eve Kovacs - is quite hard to beat! Nothing wrong with a second!

Garden Path - Jacket - Part XX

Allium Experiments

Today I was able to get into the studio and finish working out all the details for the alliums. There are only two of them in the whole piece, and when there are relatively so few, the details have to be right.

I start first with the stems. I wanted them thin, so applique was out. Since there would be a lot of them I didn't want to couch a thick thread either. I start out with some free motion stitching, which was ok, but not quite right. I then switched to satin stitching which was a bit better. The ends needed some tapering, so I figured that out too. In the photo below you can see the size of the flower I'm working with, outlined in blue. The alliums will be circular in shape, with the stems radiating out from the center.

The red gibberish on the left under the scissors is the machine settings for the large allium stems. It does mean something! I start stitching from the center with a zigzag set at 2.0 width and .6 length, I then change to 1.5 width/.6 length and at the end to 0 width/3.0 length (yes, a straight stitch, but I don't have to change back to straight stitch on the machine). I then turn the piece around and stitch back to the center, covering each section twice and thickening up the thread a bit. The thread is a green Sulky Holoshimmer, which doesn't all give good coverage when satin stitching.

I then worked on the flower template. This is one of the smallest templates I've worked with on any project. I shaved tiny, tiny bits off the current template to refine the petals a bit. You can see how small this flower is below. How many will cover each allium, I don't know at this point. However many it takes to make it look good will be the number I need.

Once the stems and flowers looked good it was time to finalize bead/sequin choices. I started by pulling out all the purples that would work.

I then doubled checked pictures of allium flowers on Google images and quickly discovered that the centers of these little flowers are not purple! They're green! Out came the green beads/sequins:

Thankfully, I have just the right colors already:

I'll probably start work on the first allium in a few days. I need to get some stems appliqued for the next section first and remove a coneflower. The coneflower is in the way of getting the allium in the proper position and will take me 30 minutes or so to replace when I'm done with allium. No big loss. Considering yesterday's experience, I'll be trying to get the allium in the right position the first time!

Parting Shot: Fungus Among Us. We've had so much rain and gloomy weather that the mushrooms are popping up all over our front yard. These are 4" to 5" tall.

Garden Path - Jacket - Part XIX

That Large Rose

A big thanks for all the compliments on the black tank! To quickly answer one question: yes, I did make the hole on the back smaller. I decided after reading LindsayT's post, that this would probably be a good idea. I am pleased with the overall fit, never having tried a BWOF petite pattern. I cut a size 18, and the waist was in the right place and the shoulders were not too wide. I need to go back through my issues and look for more petite patterns.

Well, I thought I had that large rose all finished:

Until I noticed it wasn't centered! Now, how could I have worked on it for hours and not noticed it wasn't in the right place is beyond me. I have no idea how that happened, but you know what had to be done! Is that a frog I hear in the garden? Oh, yes, rip-it, rip-it, rip-it.

I had enough time today to restitch the rose and now it looks like this:

I'm much happier with this one, the other one had things I would have taken out anyway.

I also had time to pin on the paper flowers for the next section. The next sections to the left and right include alliums. I've done a prototype, but it still needs some work. I hope to find a few minutes this evening to figure out how to make the stems be substantial but not take over the whole flower. I need to work on the metal template, too.


Parting Shot: Getting Fixed. The part came today for the dishwasher, and now my husband has fixed it. So far, so good. The dishwasher seems to running normally now!

Weekend Project: BWOF 6/09 #115

Knit Top Version

For a quick project this weekend I made up BWOF 6/09 #115 as a top instead of the dress. I really liked the pattern - it is perfect for summer, yet not boring. I didn't want the dress version because it probably wouldn't look as good on me as it would on someone younger and I only had a limited amount of fabric (a remnant) anyway. Making a top was easy enough to do, because I traced the cutting line for #116, which is the version of the dress will all those ruffles from mid-hip to the hem. Not a good look for me either!.

Once I did a quick check with my handy BWOF neckline-o-meter and confirmed my suspicions of it being too low, I made the fix and was able to proceed to cutting out the fabric.

The one thing that I really like about this top that you can't really see from any of the model photos is that it has darts in the back, shaping it to the body better. It also is a petite sized pattern, which I've never tried in BWOF. Not that I haven't wanted to, I just haven't.

After stitching the darts, the construction couldn't be easier, with two shoulder seams and two sides seams. I chose to finish the neck, armholes and back decorative hole with fold over elastic. This of course, complicates things a bit, but I like the effect of the shiny elastic.

I'd actually consider making this one again if I need a sleeveless knit top. The back hole could be eliminated, too, but I think it gives a little more interest to a top or dress that is very basic.

Q/A: I had a few questions regarding the twin set so I thought I'd answer them. Regarding the interfacing, I used Pro-Sheer interfacing from Fashion Sewing Supply. It was perfect for the soft drapey knit. To get some, the link is on the right in the list of Sources and Resources. I also had a question regarding finding a similar pattern. I locate one in the Big 4, but I'll keep looking and see another company has a similar pattern.

Parting Shot: My House! Kiwi saw another cat in the yard this morning, and she got very defensive. You can see how big her tail got and the offending intruder in the photo.

Garden Path - Jacket - Part XIX

Return of the Hollyhocks!

Thank you all for the compliments on the twinset and new hair! The twinset is perfect for the weather we have here, which can be in the low 50's in the morning, but in the 70's by the afternoon. The supersoft fabric makes it a dream to wear, too!

The hollyhocks are back! I'm almost done with this section and they are one of the last flowers to be done.

That large rose remains, and that's on Monday's to do list!

Parting Shot: Part. This part belongs to our dishwasher, or did belong to our dishwasher. We discovered that it was running through the cycles without any water. You know what that means: baked on food particles! Yay! We're pretty sure this is the part that is broke - that part that actually lets the water *into* the dishwasher. We've got one on order, so hopefully we can fix our dishwasher for $30.

The Other Things I've Been Sewing

I've been working away at quite a few things recently, Garden Path, the 30 Minutes Per Day projects, and my *other* project from my list of things to do in 2009: the bras. I'm part of the sew along blog that Sigrid has started, and it has been a lot of fun and very interesting. It is a private blog, so I won't be able to give you a link. A private blog is nice because fitting issues can be discussed without the whole internet taking a peek.

Here is what I have made thus far:

The first bra I made from a SewSassy white kit:

Right, I know, it isn't white, but I couldn't help dyeing it another color after it was done because I didn't want white. This is a color I call Tropical Punch and is much more fun than plain white.

I also made this set, which I call Houndstooth Flower Power:

Another set that I dyed all the pieces for and then made is this one that I call Key Lime Pie with Whipped Cream:

I'm currently working on another set, which I'll be calling Trashy Leopard. I've only got the bottoms and the cups done, but I think you'll get the idea of where I'm going with it.

I'm having fun making the sets and dyeing my own supplies. I've started dyeing my own supplies because white, beige and black are pretty readily available, while all matching colored supplies (straps, elastics, etc. ) are not. You know, like the pretty RTW things you can buy at VS or other retailers for a lot of money and are not necessarily guaranteed a good fit. Pretty kits in lovely colors can be ordered from overseas, but with the cost of shipping, it can be expensive. Stay tuned because in the next week or so, I'll have some special posts regarding this whole topic!

Parting Shot: Rodent! My husband complained because he was tired of my screensaver. So I told him to change it to something else, and this is what I got:

Of course, I was not going to have that beady-eyed rodent staring at me every time I sat down at the computer, so I had him change it again. I now have a nice tiger cub.

Lists!

Marji wrote about lists the other day, and of course, I love lists so it was right up my alley. This also coincides with a post I've been think about for a while. We are about half through 2009, and I thought I'd do a recap and see how I'm doing on accomplishing the list of goals I set forth for 2009. Let's take a look at the list as published:

• finish Bluebird of Happiness!
  
• to try basic tambour beading - I have an old Threads article on this and since I've taught myself many other fiber crafts, why not?
• to make a bra, or two or three - I already have patterns and some of the supplies. Besides, I have a really cool idea to integrate long line bras into my art garment gowns and making bras would be another good skill to have in my repertoire.
• to knit a sweater - I can knit, I learned how when I was 7 years old and have made quite a few very nice sweaters, but just haven't knitted anything recently. Maybe I'll make socks - they're quicker projects. Who knows? We'll see how that works out.
• to make two more large art garment projects - I have a running list of ideas (ten ideas at the moment, until I get more!), but I haven't made a final decision yet. I'm thinking of making two of the following: Cherry Blossom, Jackie O, Green with Envy, or Fall Splendor. These have all percolated long enough, except for Green with Envy whose details have started to fall into place just this week.

Alright, so what I have done?

• Bluebird of Happiness. Finished!
  
• Tambour beading. Not Yet. This fall, I hope.
  
• Make one bra or more. Yes, I've actually made three and am working on the fourth! More about that in another post, maybe tomorrow.
• Knit a sweater. I'm working on that. I need to finish a sleeve and do the final finishing. I've also made two pair of socks.
• Two more large art garments. I'm working on Garden Path, and I'm thinking of working on Cherry Blossom next. That's not set in stone. It depends on what I'm feeling at the moment I decide. Right now, Cherry Blossom stands a good chance because I can incorporate the bra into the piece.
  

Actually I'm not doing too bad. This is the disclaimer I posted with the list, "In general, I have some things I'd like to try or do. If I'm able to accomplish them, that would be wonderful. If I don't that is fine, too." I still feel that way, yet still hoping to get to the tambour beading!

How about you? Do you have lists? Do you follow them or feel guilty if you don't?

Parting Shot: Lilies. Our yellow Stella D'Oro lilies are just starting to bloom. Looks like I'll have a lot of blooms this year. I might even divide this clump of plants in the fall.

Garden Path - Jacket - Part XVIII

Pansies!

Thank you all for the compliments regarding my new bag! It is easy to make and Cidell suggested selling the pattern on Etsy. Hmmm . . . I'll have to think about that . . . might be fun! I think I'd call it the Deep and Wide Tote Bag.

The latest flowers added to the garden are the pansies:

These flowers are both hand appliqued and made from pieces cut with the wood burning tool. Both are embellished by machine similarly to the hollyhocks (which should make a reappearance later this week!). Each flower is then finished off with beads and sequins. No surprise, there, right?!?

I'm not sure about the hand appliqued ones at the moment. The other pansies look better to me, so I might remove the three hand appliqued ones and replace them - it is easy enough to do, I just need to decide before I make the large rose, because they will need stems.

I am hoping to finish this grouping of flowers this week, including the large rose. I've got a couple of the larger rose buds, a couple of coneflowers, a daisy and some hollyhocks left besides the large rose, but I think I'll be able to get it done. I'll show you how it looks as the garden blooms.

Parting Shot: Fabric Painting. I won this lovely piece of hand painted denim from Sandy Snowden who had a give away on her blog. She lives in England and I got this piece yesterday after she only mailed it on Friday! That's not too bad, with the Royal Post living up to their reputation of being speedy and the US Postal system being pretty quick, too. I'm not sure what I'll do with the piece, I'll have to think about it.

Summer Tote Bag

I was able to quickly finish the summer tote bag on Saturday. I love this bag! The colors make me happy, it is really roomy and should be sturdy. The fabric is the outdoor Sunbrella type canvas for the exterior and the interior is sunprinted white poplin. Both are sturdy and since I did not want a super stiff bag, I decided not to use interfacing. I want to be able to fold up the bag and put it in a suitcase or other bag for traveling.

The final dimensions of the bag are approximately 25" wide by 18" high, not including straps. You can see how large the bag is when modeled:

As mentioned in the 30 Minutes Per Day post, this is a self-drafted pattern inspired by a Simplicity pattern. I am very pleased with how the pattern turned out! It is easy to construct, too, since the bag does not have to be sewn together at the top and turned to the right side. The binding could even be the wide purchased quilt binding, just reinforced through the handles.

When you last saw the bag, both the bag and lining had been pleated together at the top and waiting for binding. I originally was going to bind the edges in white, but once I started to pin it on, I didn't like it. Furthermore, the white straps eventually would show dirt more quickly, so I cut and pieced what was left of the stripe to make the binding. I love a good bias cut stripe anyway, so this solution was perfect. The binding is 1" wide and I interfaced and stiffened just the strap portion.

The top edge with the pleats is bound first:

As a side note, I found this thread in my collection for all the top stitching that perfect matched the colors of the fabric:

Back to the binding, after the top pleated edges are bound, the curved edges are bound and straps are formed. The straps are just a continuation of the binding at the sides; one long pieces does both the binding and straps and is joined at a side seam. The binding starts at a side seam, binds the curved edge, becomes a strap, binds the other curved edge, becomes the other strap, binds the last half of a curved edge and is joined.

Here's the interior zippered pocket I said I'd show you:

You can see that I've already placed my knitting in the bag. I was able to fit my purse and water bottle in it last night at church, making it easy to transport everything I need for ensemble practice, choir practice and the service.

I've saved the pattern and will be making another one of these in the fall for a winter version as I'm always taking projects where ever I go.

Parting Shot: First Plants. No, they're not weeds, they're pumpkins! My son's garden is just starting to come up. Now we have to wait on the rest of the things he planted: the cucumbers and watermelons. We bought the tomatoes as plants, so no waiting there! Four kinds of produce is plenty for the eight year old to take care of by himself.

Garden Path - Jacket - Part XVI

Coneflowers, Part 2

Today I got the first two coneflowers done!

I'm very happy with the way they turned out. I ended up refining the five petal template with slightly shorter petals and slightly narrower center. I also am laying two sets together - the bottom set I cut off one petal and make the center smaller so that I can offset the petals.

The beading is a bit different for these. I've used beads to secure the sequins for more texture rather than just the backstitching.

I am really happy with how the whole thing is turning out now! I now need to get the next set of stems in place and then I'll be able to do pansies, more daises, coneflowers, roses, and some hollyhocks (yes, they're still in the plan!).

Parting Shot: Block. My son completed the first block for his new quilt yesterday. He does all the stitching and pressing himself, and I help him with the matching and pinning. He is starting to take over some of the matching, but I always double check to make sure it is lined up right.

Garden Path - Jacket - Part XV

Coneflowers, Part 1

Judging by the comments, many of you really seem to like daises! Thank you all - they truly have been the easiest and nicest part of this project so far. Wish I could say as much for the coneflowers.

I made the templates for all the flowers months ago, and now am getting around to testing them before I use them. The daisy was great, the coneflower, not so great for a few reasons. One, the petals are really skinny. Two, really skinny petals means really skinny template pieces that break. Here's the original, cut out:

So, back to the drawing board for two more versions, one with six petals instead of eight and one with a slightly large center and five petals.

I'm thinking I might have to do two layers for this flower, offsetting the second layer to get the wide petals and the fullness of more petals at the same time. The template will need some tweaking - shorter petals and slightly thinner and rounder, plus shaving off a little of the center width. I think I can make this work.

Just for reference, here is the coneflower in context, pinned in place. Eventually, there will be black beads and sequins in the center cone portion.

Maybe tomorrow I'll have some *completed* coneflowers to show you. After that it is back to appliqueing stems for the flowers above the rose. Once those are on, I get to make the panises!

Parting Shot: Surprise! My husband has this large box partially filled with stuff to go out by the door. I heard some scratching in the box and thought a cat was in there and got stuck. No, no, it was my son. He's just small enough to fit in the box around the stuff.